Real Madrid disadvantaged by Champions League overhaul

The new league-phase format of the UEFA Champions League has introduced a challenge that goes far beyond tactics and form, with record-winners Real Madrid facing a bigger impact than most.

Salah’s historic season falls short of Ballon d’Or

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah delivered one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Premier League history, but it won’t be enough to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, writes Dylan Johnson.

Dembele favourite to edge Yamal to Ballon d’Or

PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele is tipped to hold off Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and win the men’s Ballon d’Or.

Salah, Dembélé, Mbappe headline Ballon d’Or race

The Ballon d’Or will be awarded in Paris on September 22, with data and criteria pointing to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé as frontrunners, though Kylian Mbappé and Viktor Gyökeres also emerge as leading contenders.

Haaland hits 50 UCL goals in Man City cruise over Napoli

Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland can become the Champions League’s all-time top goalscorer after reaching 50 in record time in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over 10-man Napoli.

Rashford bags first Barca goals to seal Newcastle win

Marcus Rashford scored his first goals for Barcelona as the England forward’s brilliant brace inspired a 2-1 win against Newcastle in the Champions League on Thursday.

Kane doubles up as Bayern sink Chelsea

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich beat Chelsea 3-1 at home in their Champions League opener on Wednesday.

Van Dijk snatches win for Liverpool as Simeone sees red

Virgil van Dijk’s stoppage-time winner sparked a confrontation between Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Liverpool fans at Anfield as the Reds opened their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory on Wednesday.

Injury setback for Alexander-Arnold in Real Madrid victory

England international full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered a hamstring injury in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Marseille, the club said on Wednesday.

De Bruyne leads Napoli in emotional return to Man City

Kevin De Bruyne will return to Manchester City on Thursday with the wind in his sails after a fast start with Napoli, who return to the Champions League full of confidence following a perfect start to the Serie A season.